National Senator Merkley Statement on President Obama’s NSA Speech by Gary Kopycinski on January 18, 2014 Gary Kopycinski Author More in National: Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Ban Slavery in Wisconsin February 24, 2026 Martha Washington’s Enslaved Maid Ona Judge Made a Daring Escape to Freedom – but the National Park Service Has Erased Her Story From Philadelphia Exhibit February 14, 2026 Corvallis, OR–(ENEWSPF)–January 17, 2014. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the President released a new policy directive on U.S. surveillance.